Avery: Sensual Desire: New Adult College Romance (Coral Gables Series Book 2) by Drucie Anne Taylor Page A

soon? Ave told us that now you can.”
    “ If they accept me, yeah. I just sent in my application. Avery helped me fill it out.”
    “ Okay … well, I own an apartment very close to campus, but since my father bought this place for me, we're not using it anymore,” Delsin explains. “Would you maybe like to move in there? I would offer you a fair rental price, of course.”
    “ I-I don’t even know whether I got in yet,” I stammer. The offer is nice and generous, but I don’t know what to say. Why is everyone being so nice even though they barely know me?
    “ You could also rent my old room in the apartment I used to share with my two friends,” Cami offers. “Thally and Hailey would surely be happy to have another roommate again.”
    “ I don’t really like that much company,” I murmur, feeling embarrassed.
    “ Why not?” they ask simultaneously, sounding rather confused by my answer.
    “ I don’t always get the feeling that people my own age want anything to do with me,” I explain quietly. “I guess I’m not swanky enough for most people, or whatever you want to call it.”
    “ That sounds like bullshit to me, Dahlia,” Cami says. “You’re nice and friendly, and my friends would like you. But if you prefer moving into Delsin’s apartment, then go ahead and do that. You’re going to meet Thally and Hailey soon anyway, because they’re coming over to plan Ave’s birthday party with me.”
    “ When’s his birthday?” I ask. I didn’t know it was anytime soon.
    “ Two weeks. We’re thinking of throwing a party on the beach to avoid having the guests make a mess in the house. Of course you’re invited.” She smiles.
    “ What … what should I give him for a present?” I ask. I certainly owe him that much, at least.
    “ Avery likes to read,” Delsin says. “You could buy him a book, maybe one by Dan Brown or John Grisham. Those are his favorite authors.  Or you could get him something for his car. He was recently talking about buying a CD changer, but he hasn’t yet.”
    “ I don’t think I can afford that,” I say, momentarily forgetting about the money in the savings account.
    “ Then just give him a book, I know he’ll like that,” Cami says.
    “ What are you giving him?” I ask shyly.
    “ We’re getting him new leather seat covers for his Jeep,” Delsin explains. “His cousin is working on getting it in shape right now, and he’s going to put the covers in. We’re hoping it’ll be ready by his birthday.”
    The door to the apartment opens, which makes us all fall silent simultaneously.
    “ Hey, guys,” Avery greets us.
    “ Hi,” we chorus.
    He puts a few plastic bags on the table. “I bought dinner for Dahlia and me, but I’m sure I bought enough to serve four. You guys want to eat with us?” he asks Delsin and Cami.
    “ No, thanks. Caramel already cooked some dinner. We’re gonna leave you alone now,” Delsin answers as then both stand. “And think about it, Dahlia. I’d be happy to help you,” he tells me.
    “ Right. Thanks, Delsin.”
    Avery watches them leave and then looks at me questioningly. “Think about what?”
    “ Whether I want to move into his apartment close to campus. He noticed I was looking for an apartment,” I explain.
    Avery nods slowly. “Would you like that? The apartment is great. And you could find a roommate to lower the cost.” Despite his words, he sounds a little unhappy.
    “ I don’t know yet. I don’t know if I got into The U yet, so I want to wait to hear back. Maybe I could stay with you until then?” I suggest shyly. “Of course, I can contribute to the rent now and pay for food, too.”
    The corners of Avery’s mouth twitch. “I would be very happy if you stayed.”
    I smile at him and walk over, tilting my head back to look at him. “You really are an angel, Avery Morrison.”
    He takes my face in his hands. His thumbs caress my cheeks before he inclines his head and kisses me. I return it happily.
    For